In an apparent resurgence of Awami League supporters, with a series of surprising street marches across Bangladesh – despite being banned under anti-terrorism laws – Tariq Rahman’s government will allow party members to contest in the upcoming local government elections “in their individual capacity”.The deliberations reflect the challenges of managing a political force that, despite being excluded from formal politics after its leader was ousted, continues to gain visibility and support, particularly at the grassroots. Sheikh Hasina Become Prime Minister in 2024.Awami League leaders holding party positions will be eligible to contest local government elections as long as they meet all legal requirements, said Zaheed-ur-Rehman, information adviser to the prime minister. “There is no problem for any individual to participate in the election. But if someone uses the name, symbol or slogan of a banned organization or the Awami League in the campaign, that becomes a problem.”Although Zaheed spelled out the conditions, the move could reshape the country’s changing political landscape, which after 2024 is largely limited to Tariq’s BNP and its rival Jamaat-e-Islami.The government is expected to start holding local government elections in phases after the monsoon, possibly starting in September or October.
